CCSD Approves Continued Four-Day Week, Later Start Date

During their last regular meeting, the Churchill County School Board discussed and approved the proposed school calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years, ultimately deciding to continue with a modified four-day school week with a later start date. The decision came after extensive deliberation, staff surveys, student feedback, and a review of how different scheduling options impact both learning outcomes and school operations.

Churchill County Schools have operated on a modified four-day schedule for three years. This model includes alternating full Fridays off for students, with early release Fridays on instructional weeks. The school calendar debate allowed stakeholders to weigh the benefits of fewer school days against concerns about instructional minutes and student performance.

Last year, the board approved a one-year calendar to allow for additional data collection and feedback. Superintendent Derild Parsons explained, "We wanted to send out surveys and collect as much feedback as possible from staff, students, and the community to assess whether the modified schedule was meeting everyone's needs."

The survey results showed that most staff preferred to continue with the modified schedule, though some raised concerns about reduced instructional time. Students were also surveyed, and what board members called an "impressive 543 responses" were significantly higher than the 25 responses collected the previous year.

The board reviewed several potential calendar models, including a five-day traditional schedule and variations of the four-day modified schedule with different start and end dates. The most debated issues included:

• Instructional Minutes: Some board members expressed concerns that the four-day schedule meant fewer classroom minutes overall. Trustee Joe McFadden pointed out, "Before we went to the modified four-day, students had significantly more instructional minutes, and since then, we've seen a decline in student performance and increased chronic absenteeism."
• The Impact of Short Fridays: Some members questioned whether early-release Fridays were beneficial or if they contributed to student absenteeism. "I personally struggle at home with my own middle schooler not wanting to come to school on Fridays," said Trustee Julie Guerrero-Goetsch. "They say it's a 'wasted day,' and I don't think that's something we should stick with."
• Teacher and Staff Support: Many teachers and school administrators voiced strong support for keeping Professional Learning Community (PLC) time on Fridays, arguing that it helps improve classroom instruction. Principal Shawn Purrell noted, "We technically only have one PLC day per month due to holidays and other scheduling factors, and we need to hold onto those with our lives."
• Recruitment and Retention of Teachers: Superintendent Parsons and several principals emphasized that the modified schedule has helped attract and retain teachers. "I asked a new hire this year if the calendar impacted their decision, and they said absolutely," said Parsons. "Many educators appreciate the flexibility the modified schedule offers."

After an extensive discussion, the board unanimously approved the modified four-day calendar with a later start date for the 2025-2026 school year. The late start pushes the first day of school further into August, which many principals supported, noting that an earlier start forced school leaders back into the office with limited time off.

Additionally, the board directed Superintendent Parsons and district staff to review ways to increase instructional minutes while maintaining the four-day schedule. This could involve minor changes to the daily schedule to ensure students get as much classroom time as possible.

Board President Gregg Malkovich supported the final decision, stating, "We know there's no one solution that will make everyone happy, but this compromise keeps what's working while also making room for improvements."